Metro bus drivers to vote on one-year wage freeze

A tentative contract agreement calls for a one-year pay freeze for Metro bus drivers. It’s part of King County’s latest attempt to convince state lawmakers to approve new funding for transit.

If approved, the three-year labor agreement, announced Thursday at a news conference, would save about 40,000 hours of bus service and undoubtedly protect driver jobs, too. Metro employs about 2,700 full time and part time drivers. The union also represents light rail and streetcar operators.

“This is the second time I’ve stood before you announcing an agreement with a wage freeze in the first year and we simply can’t afford to cut this service,” said Paul Bachtel, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587.

The agreement would save the county an estimated $8.4 to $12.7 million over three years.

Metro is warning of 17 percent service cuts next year if state lawmakers fail to authorize King County to collect a motor vehicle excise tax for transit. County Executive Dow Constantine wants the state Legislature to meet in special session to approve a comprehensive transportation package, including the local option funding. The county would put a transit funding package before voters, preferably early next year.

“A statewide transportation package that is fair and balanced is our first choice, but in the absence of any action by the state, an imperfect local option will be necessary,” said Constantine. That local option could include a sales tax increase or a flat car tab fee allowed under a Transportation Benefit District.

The State Senate Transportation Committee is debating a proposed $12.3 billion revenue package, featuring an 11.5 cents a gallon gas tax increase that includes the local funding option for transit.